Making the Madness Top-100 Players in College Basketball
We are in the middle of the offseason and content is somewhat lacking so what I have decided to do is rank the Top-100 players in the sport of College Basketball for the upcoming season. The list is based on many different factors such as past success, experience, talent and also how their team has done in past seasons. This list will be based upon my predictions for how good each player will be for the upcoming season. I want to thank the readers for reading this and encourage everyone to give feedback and even some critiques for these rankings on whatever platform this was posted on as I will make sure to answer any and all questions. Without any further introduction, it is time to get into my Top-100 player rankings.
1.Cassius Winston – Senior Guard Michigan State
If not for Zion Williamson, Cassius Winston probably would have won the National Player of the year last season as he was the main reason for all of Michigan State’s success. Last year he averaged 18.8 points and 7.5 assists per game which helped get the Spartans to the Final Four. This year the Spartans are the early favorites to win a National Championship with Winston returning and on top of that, the expectation is that Winston should win the National Player of the year award.
2.Myles Powell – Senior Guard Seton Hall
The Seton Hall Pirates are in every preseason Top-25 poll you can find and there is only one reason why, and that is because of guard Myles Powell. Powell is coming off a season where he averaged 23.1 points per game while having efficient shooting statistics. Powell showed the ability to pretty much make anything he put up. Powell should continue to put up good statistics and if he can get a little more help from his team, he will be a household name in the sport and an All-American.
3.Markus Howard – Senior Guard Marquette
The reigning Big East Player of the year is Marquette guard Markus Howard, who used a great scoring season to help lift his Golden Eagles to a second place finish in their conference. Howard averaged 25 points per game while shooting 40 percent from three and 89 percent from the line and most impressively scoring 45 or more points in a game on three different occasions. Assuming he can put up similar or even better numbers this year, he should be one of the top players in the sport once again.
4.Devon Dotson – Sophomore Guard Kansas
The Jayhawks are coming into a season where they are not Big 12 Champions, which is something that hasn’t been the case in quite a while, luckily for them they will return one of the best guards in the country in Devon Dotson who should help Kansas be one of the best teams in the country. Dotson is an extremely quick guard who has the ability to get anywhere on the court. Dotson scored 12.3 points and 3.5 assists per game on the season but this year those numbers should go up now that he has full control of the offense and a full year of experience under his belt.
5.James Wiseman – Freshman Center Memphis
The Memphis hype is for real as the Tigers look poised to be one of the best teams in the sport this season and the main reason is because of the addition of James Wiseman. Wiseman’s game on offense is similar to that of Deandre Ayton in that he’s huge and can score and shoot efficiently, although he is regarded as a much better defender. Assuming he lives up to the hype that he was given, he should be one of the top players in the country while Memphis will almost certainly be a Top-15 team.
6.Jordan Nwora – Junior Forward Louisville
After an average freshman season, Jordan Nwora broke out and became one of the best players in the ACC last season, scoring 17 points per game last season. Nwora is a 6’7” forward who can score and shoot the ball at a high level while he is also a really good rebounder. If he can improve a little bit upon what he did last year, while Louisville becomes one of the top teams in the sport like many expect, look for him to be a consensus All-American.
7.Cole Anthony – Freshman Guard North Carolina
For the second straight year, Roy Williams will be giving a freshman guard full control of the North Carolina offense as Cole Anthony is set to become the new starting point guard. Anthony is a great shooter and an excellent athlete who should put up big numbers despite his small frame. With not as much talent around him as with other Tar Heel teams in the past, Anthony should be able to put up big numbers, while also keeping North Carolina near the top of the ACC.
8.Tre Jones – Sophomore Guard Duke
The Blue Devils lost three of their four great freshmen guards, but the one returning is Tre Jones who should take over as the team leader in year two at Duke. Jones was a great defender and passer in year one at Duke and while he struggled shooting the ball he will have a full offseason to improve upon his jump shot. Assuming he can make a good Freshman to Sophomore jump as most expect, he should be an All-American this season.
9.Anthony Edwards – Freshman Guard Georgia
Year two of the Tom Crean era should be much better as the Bulldogs received a huge commitment from guard Anthony Edwards who was one of the clear Top-3 recruits in the country. Edwards is a big guard with all the tools needed to be great, whether it would be by way of his jump shot or passing ability. Assuming he plays up to his potential while leading the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament, Edwards should be regarded as one of the top players in the game.
10.Anthony Cowan – Senior Guard Maryland
Maryland was pretty good last year with a young nucleus of players but the key to that team was guard Anthony Cowan. Cowan returning means Maryland will have a senior who has been through the ups and downs, while skill wise he’s a good scorer and passer. Assuming most of the players around him take that next step and Cowan continues to improve, this Maryland team projects to be one of the best in the sport.
11.Josh Langford – Senior Guard Michigan State
The Spartans are obviously returning one of, if not the best player in the sport in Cassius Winston but many people forget just how good Josh Langford was early in the season. Langford averaged 15 points per game last season when given more opportunity to score before being ruled out for the season with an ankle injury. Langford will be on the preseason top team and will be one of the best players on that team, which should help him be one of the most relevant players in the sport.
12.Udoka Azubuike – Senior Center Kansas
In addition to getting Devon Dotson back, the Jayhawks got their big man Udoka Azubuike back who has been one of the best interior scorers in the sport. Azubuike at 7’0” 280 pounds is an absolute monster inside, scoring above a 70 percent field goal percentage while averaging 13 points per game last year. Azubuike will need to be healthy to be an effective player but assuming he does stay healthy, he will probably be the best big man in the sport.
13.Ashton Hagans – Sophomore Guard Kentucky
Kentucky is a team that usually loses the vast majority of their players after just one season, meaning that if a Five-Star level player does return, most of the time that player could be in for a big sophomore season. That is the case with guard Ashton Hagans, who was a solid playmaking guard and a great defender in year one at Kentucky but projects to have a bigger impact in year two at Kentucky. Assuming he makes the jump most expect him to make, Kentucky should be contending to win another National Championship.
14.Isaiah Stewart – Freshman Center Washington
Washington may have lost their four best players from last year’s team but with the amount of talent they have coming in, led by Isaiah Stewart, they will not be going anywhere. Stewart is 6’9” but has a long wingspan and is a terrific finisher, shot-blocker and rebounder. Stewart should probably be the most talented player in the Pac-12 while likely leading the Huskies back to the NCAA Tournament.
15.Kaleb Wesson – Junior Center Ohio State
For the first time in the Chris Holtmann era at Ohio State, there are real expectations coming into the season for the Buckeyes and a lot of it has to do with the return of Kaleb Wesson. Wesson is a do-everything big man who scores and shoots the ball at an efficient rate, while being an elite rebounder and passer for a big man. Assuming he can continue to run their offense while the Buckeyes get better as most expect, he will be considered one of the best players in the sport.
16.Killian Tillie – Senior Forward Gonzaga
Killian Tillie struggled getting on the court last year, however that may have been a blessing in disguise for the Bulldogs as they were able to get him back for another season. Tillie is a good shooter and playmaker, as well as a good rebounder. Assuming he can stay healthy and he can play at the level that he has played in his Sophomore season, which is very possible, Tillie should probably win the WCC player of the year award.
17.Jarron Cumberland – Senior Guard Cincinnati
Cincinnati loses their head coach Mick Cronin but the return of Jarron Cumberland should keep the Bearcats in the NCAA Tournament. Cumberland averaged 18.8 points per game last season, while leading Cincinnati to a six seed in the NCAA Tournament. He should continue to put up good numbers this season while he could get more ball-handling responsibility this season.
18.Vernon Carey – Freshman Center Duke
The Blue Devils not only will have one of the best point guards in the country but they will also have one of the best bigs in Vernon Carey. Carey has enough strength to overpower most players, mixed with having good skill and athleticism. He will likely be the best of the Duke freshmen this season and he has a good chance to end up being an All-American.
19.Kerry Blackshear Jr. – Senior Center Florida
There was no better grad transfer this year than Kerry Blackshear Jr, who opted to head to Florida for his senior season. Blackshear showed all the attributes of a great big man last season when he averaged 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while being a good passer as an interior big. This year Florida will likely setup in a four around one scheme which should allow to do what he does best which is scoring inside or passing out to open shooters which Florida will have plenty of this season.
20.Payton Pritchard – Senior Guard Oregon
The Ducks are returning their senior captain Payton Pritchard who has been the team leader and a key player as Oregon has made it to two Sweet 16s in his three years with the Ducks. Pritchard had struggled a little bit early last season but he turned it on late and was the main reasons for the Ducks ten game win streak. Assuming he continues to play at the level he has in the past few years and the Ducks continue to stay relevant while he will be contending for an All-American team spot.
21.Jalen Smith – Sophomore Forward Maryland
The Terrapins lost Bruno Fernando but are still going to return the services of Jalen Smith, who is a bouncy athlete with the ability to score from anywhere inside 15 feet. Smith averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as a freshman, however, with Bruno Fernando gone he should feature more prominently in their offense. If he and the other younger players on their roster are able to step up like most expect them to, he should be talked about as one of the best bigs in the country.
22.Ty-Shon Alexander – Junior Guard Creighton
Creighton missed the NCAA Tournament last year, however, with the return of multiple players including Ty-Shon Alexander, the Blue Jays should return to their winning ways. Alexander averaged 15.7 points per game last season while shooting 36 percent from three. He should likely improve a little bit upon those numbers for this season while likely leading Creighton back to the NCAA Tournament.
23.Sam Merrill – Senior Guard Utah State
The Aggies are the defending Mountain West Champions and a lot of that has to do with how great Sam Merrill was last season for the Aggies. Last year he averaged 20.9 points and 4.2 assists per game while shooting nearly 38 percent from beyond the arc. This year he will probably put up similar if not better numbers, while Utah State projects to be a Top-25 team in the sport.
24.Scottie Lewis – Freshman Guard Florida
The Gators have a good young core this season that should help make them one of the top teams in the SEC and the headline freshman from that core is Scottie Lewis. Lewis is a big guard who has incredible athleticism and speed, while his jumper could use some work, he still should be one of the top freshmen in the sport. Look for him to have a really good season in what should be his only season at Florida.
25.Davide Moretti – Junior Guard Texas Tech
The Red Raiders return one starter from their team that nearly won the National Championship last season and that is guard Davide Moretti. Moretti started every game for the Red Raiders and averaged 11.5 points per game on 45 percent shooting from three. This year he will probably be asked to do a lot more for the Red Raiders on offense and while his percentages will probably go down, he should have much better scoring statistics this season.
26.Nico Mannion – Freshman Guard Arizona
The Wildcats are coming off a season where they missed the NCAA Tournament, however with the addition of Five-Star point guard Nico Mannion, Arizona should be back in the NCAA Tournament this season. Mannion is a crafty guard with a good feel for the game, good passing ability and he can hit threes at a consistent rate. He will be given full control of the ball this season as he hopes to lead Sean Miller to his first Final Four.
27.Kira Lewis Jr. – Sophomore Guard Alabama
Everyone you talk to has Kira Lewis on some sort of breakout list for this season as he showed flashes of greatness last year playing as a 17-year old freshman. Lewis is a good all-around player, last year he averaged 13.5 points per game which was good. The one thing that should be beneficial to him is that under Nate Oats he will play more in an up-tempo system which should help him put up much better umbers.
28.Jordan Ford – Senior Guard St. Mary’s
Last year St. Mary’s had a down year talent-wise but still managed to make the NCAA Tournament behind the play of Jordan Ford. Ford averaged 21.1 points per game and his scoring outputs were huge in terms of leading the Gaels to the tournament. Assuming he continues to play at this high level, St. Mary’s should be once again contending with Gonzaga to win the WCC.
29.Lamar Stevens – Senior Forward Penn State
This year is looking like the best chance for Penn State to make the NCAA Tournament and most of it has to do with the return of big man Lamar Stevens. Stevens averaged 19.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while being key as Penn State finished the season winning five of their last six games. Look for him to have a similar season statistically while Penn State should contend for the NCAA Tournament.
30.Anthony Lamb – Senior Forward Vermont
Vermont had another great season as they won the American East and made the NCAA Tournament while having a great statistical season from Anthony Lamb. Lamb averaged 21.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last year as a junior, which helped him win American East Player of the year. Look for him to have a similar statistical season and Vermont should once again be the heavy favorite to win the American East Conference and make the NCAA Tournament.
31.Jaden McDaniels – Freshman Forward Washington
The Huskies lose a lot from a senior class that led them to the NCAA Tournament last season but with the addition of two Top-10 freshmen including Jaden McDaniels, the Huskies should be really good this season. McDaniels is a long athlete with great size and length, with above the rim potential and the ability to make shots from deep. He and Isaiah Stewart should make up one of the best frontcourts in the country.
32.James Akinjo – Sophomore Guard Georgetown
Year three of the Patrick Ewing era should be one where they actually make the NCAA Tournament and the main reason for it will be James Akinjo. Akinjo had a really good season last year both scoring and passing the ball as he scored 13.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, while shooting 39 percent from three. I think he will likely improve upon those numbers this season and become recognized as one of the top guards in the Big East.
33.Zavier Simpson – Senior Guard Michigan
The Michigan program will be going through changes as John Beilein and Luke Yaklich are gone but one program great remains and that is Zavier Simpson. Simpson averaged 8.8 points, 5 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, while being one of the best on-ball defenders in the sport. He will likely be asked to do more on the offensive side of the ball this season, I expect him to score more points and become one of the household names in the Big Ten.
34.Desmond Bane – Senior Guard TCU
With TCU losing a lot of their players from last seasons team, Desmond Bane will be asked to do a lot more for the Horned Frogs on the offensive side of the ball. Bane is a big guard known for his sharpshooting ability from deep as he shot 42 percent from behind the arc, while he averaged 15.2 points per game last season. I think he probably breaks out and potentially leads the Big 12 in scoring this season while potentially carrying them to the NCAA Tournament.
35.Andrew Nembhard – Sophomore Guard Florida
While the Andrew Nembhard decision to come back to school went under the radar but it could turn out to become one of the biggest draft decisions in the sport based on the experience he will bring to this Florida roster. Nembhard is an elite level passer, which should get other talented players involved on the offensive end of the ball, while on the defensive end, he is a really good and switchable defender. He should be a key piece overall for a Florida team that could win the SEC.
36.Kamar Baldwin – Senior Guard Butler
The Bulldogs are going to be flying under the radar this season and there is good reason for that but they still could have one of the best guards in the sport in Kamar Baldwin. Baldwin is a small guard but he has the ability to score and shoot at a high rate, scoring 17 points per game last season. Baldwin struggled shooting the three last season but if he can get back to his shooting efficiency from his first two seasons, he could easily be a 20 point per game scorer every night.
37.Skylar Mays – Senior Guard LSU
The Tigers return a lot from a team that won last years SEC regular-season title and while there is talent all over the court, I think Skylar Mays should probably be the best player on this team. Mays averaged 13.4 points per game last season, while playing next to their star guard Tremont Waters. I look for him to have a breakout season as he will get more touches and will get an opportunity to play with the ball in his hands more.
38.Ayo Dosunmu – Sophomore Guard Illinois
Year three of the Brad Underwood era should be the year the Illini get back to the NCAA Tournament as they return the majority of their team from last year including Ayo Dosunmu. Dosunmu is long and athletic guard who averaged 13.8 points per game, while having six games where he scored 20 or more points. I think he will probably be a little more consistent this season, while being a big part of the potential Illinois success this season.
39.Tyrese Maxey – Freshman Guard Kentucky
Kentucky will have one of the best backcourts in College Basketball next season with both Ashton Hagans and Five-Star guard Tyrese Maxey running the guard positions. Maxey is a good scorer and is a really quick guard that likes to get up and down the court and having a good finishing ability. I think he should start from day one next to Hagans and he could potentially lead the team in scoring this season.
40.Jeremiah Robinson-Earl – Freshman Forward Villanova
Villanova has now lost all their key players from their NCAA Championship team from the 2018 season, so it will be a new generation of Villanova players for this season, which should be led by Five-Star forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Robinson-Earl has good size, is really smooth and quick enough to guard quicker players while he has good scoring ability. I think he should probably lead the Wildcats in scoring this season, while likely being a one and done player.
41.Breein Tyree – Senior Guard Ole Miss
The Rebels were great in year one of the Kermit Davis era and one of the main reasons why was because of the improvement of guard Breein Tyree, who was one of the breakout players in the sport. Tyree averaged 17.9 points per game, following a season where he averaged 10.8 points per game. With the loss of Terence Davis, Tyree should get more shot attempts, while they will likely once again make the NCAA Tournament.
42.Yoeli Childs – Senior Forward BYU
The Cougars will have a chance to get back to the NCAA Tournament this season as they return their star player Yoeli Childs. Childs averaged 21.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season, which allowed him to be an All-Conference level player. With a lot of talent gone from the conference from this season, he should be in contention to win the Conference player of the year award in part thanks to his great stat line.
43.Alpha Diallo – Senior Forward Providence
The Friars were extremely young last season which was the lead contributor to them missing the NCAA Tournament but with nearly everyone, including Alpha Diallo back, this team should be in contention to make the NCAA Tournament once again. Diallo started his career as a guard but he’s moved more to the 3/4 position, where he has excelled by scoring 16 points and grabbing 8.1 rebounds per game last season. I wouldn’t expect him to improve that much upon last season statistically but with him being on a relevant team in the Big East, he will be considered a much better player for the season.
44.Tres Tinkle – Senior Forward Oregon State
The Beavers got their star forward back in Tres Tinkle who was one of the best players in the PAC-12 last season. Tinkle averaged 20.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, which is really impressive. The one issue he has is that he did that at Oregon State, a school that is really never relevant.
45.Charles Bassey – Sophomore Center Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky on paper will once again have the best team in the Conference USA and the main contributing factor to that is the fact that they will have the best big man in the league in Charles Bassey. Bassey averaged a double-double last season as a freshman scoring 14.6 points and grabbing 10 rebounds per game. With a year under his belt he should be a little more adjusted to College Basketball while being more ready to dominate Conference USA.
46.Marcus Evans – Senior Guard VCU
The Rams won the Atlantic 10 last season and are looking to repeat as conference champions as they return their best player in Marcus Evans for his senior season. Evans started his career at Rice, where he averaged 20 points per game over two seasons but while his stats dropped off last season, he still put up good numbers on a tournament team. The Rams and Marcus Evans should continue to play at a high level as they will be the heavy favorites to win the conference again.
47.Precious Achiuwa – Freshman Forward Memphis
Memphis will be back this season as they will start two Top-15 recruits in their frontcourt in James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa this season. While Wiseman will get the majority of headlines, Achiuwa is a great physical player in terms of size and athleticism while he has the speed to go against different guards and the potential to hit threes. He should put up pretty good numbers this season, while helping Memphis get back to the NCAA Tournament.
48.Kahil Whitney – Freshman Forward Kentucky
The Wildcats freshman class looks to be one of the better ones in the country as they have two consensus Top-15 players in the class of 2019 in Tyrese Maxey and Kahlil Whitney. Whitney has great athleticism and speed with the ability to play both the 3 and the 4 positions while having the ability to stretch the floor. He should be one of the more valuable assets for the Wildcats as they look to win another National Championship.
49.Tristian Clark – Junior Forward Baylor
Baylor should be a much improved team this season as they will return most of their team including big man Tristian Clark, who got hurt midway through last season. Clark averaged 14.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 74 percent from the floor in his 14 games last season before going down for the season with a knee injury. Assuming he gets back to health, he should be one of the best bigs in the Big 12 once again.
50.Xavier Tillman – Junior Forward Michigan State
Michigan State will likely be the number one team in the sport heading into next season as they will have two elite level guards, as well as players like Xavier Tillman who played big roles for the Spartans. Tillman is a shorter big man that uses his strength well, which helped him average 10 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last year. With Kenny Goins and Nick Ward gone, he should get more opportunity to succeed on a Michigan State team that will be the favorites to win the National Championship.
51.Chris Lykes – Junior Guard Miami
While Miami didn’t have a good year last season, Chris Lykes certainly did in his first year having control of their offense. Lykes averaged 16.2 points and 3.2 assists per game, which are numbers that should go up even more this year with more pieces gone from this years team. Lykes’ 5’7” frame will of course have him overlooked but he still should be able to put up good numbers in one of the toughest leagues in the sport.
52.Matthew Hurt – Freshman Forward Duke
The Blue Devils once again reload on the recruiting trail as they will have two Five-Star big men in Vernon Carey and Matthew Hurt loading up the frontcourt. Hurt is your prototypical College four-man as he can stretch the floor and shoot it from while having a good overall offensive game. He should fit in nicely with Carey and Tre Jones and he will be relied upon to make big shots.
53.Dejon Jarreau – Junior Guard Houston
The Houston Cougars have become consistently one of the best teams in the AAC and the main reason for that is that they continue to have players step up when needed most, which could be the case this season with Dejon Jarreau. Jarreau had a solid season last year as a sophomore, scoring 8.7 points per game while having a few big games. This year with the majority of last seasons upper class gone, he will get a lot more touches which could result in a breakout season for him.
54.Reggie Perry – Sophomore Forward Mississippi State
The Mississippi State Bulldogs will return a good collection of players including one of the best bigs in the SEC in Reggie Perry who was pretty good in his freshman season with the Bulldogs. Perry is a good interior scorer and rebounder, which helped him to an average of 9.7 points and 7.2 rebounds as a freshman. He looked good at the NBA Draft combine at times and is poised to be a breakout player this season for the Bulldogs.
55.McKinley Wright IV – Junior Guard Colorado
Colorado returns the majority of their scoring last season, including star guard McKinley Wright IV who is looking to take a step forward and become one of the top guards in the country. Wright has averaged 13.6 points and 5.1 assists per game over his career, although he did take a slight step back last year as a Sophomore. Look for him to probably average 15 points and 5 assists per game this season while potentially leading the Buffaloes to the NCAA Tournament.
56.Josh Green – Freshman Guard Arizona
After struggling last year, Sean Miller has added a great recruiting class that includes Top-15 recruits Nico Mannion and one of the most coveted freshman Josh Green to help get this team back to the big dance. Green is an Australian native with great size, speed and athleticism, while having a good ability to run an offense. He should fit in nicely with Nico Mannion and the other players on this team as Arizona will look to get back to the NCAA Tournament this season.
57.Admon Gilder – Senior Guard Gonzaga
Gonzaga is losing four starters from last seasons team but they’ve added one of the best grad transfers on the market to help them stay at the top of the WCC in Admon Gilder. Gilder is a former Texas A&M guard who had some good seasons, most notably in 2017 when he averaged 13.7 points and 3.9 assists per game while he’s a career 37 percent three-point shooter. With the Bulldogs roster limitations, he will likely be asked to play the point guard position and create offense for both him and the players around him.
58.Trent Forrest – Senior Guard Florida State
Florida State is a team that lost their two leading scorers on the offensive end of the ball, yet like usual should be competing near the top of the ACC standings, which will have a lot to do with the play of Trent Forrest. Forrest is a combo guard that usually takes the ball up for the Seminoles, he averaged 9.3 points and 3.7 assists last year as a junior. Those numbers will likely go up as he will be relied upon to make strides this season and help keep the Seminoles right where they belong in the ACC.
59.Lamonte Turner – Senior Guard Tennessee
Tennessee lost their three best players from last year’s team, meaning it is time for other players to step up and make a name for themselves like Lamonte Turner. Turner is a lead guard who likes to get others involved but he can also score the ball, those traits helped him average 10.9 points and 3.8 assists last year as a junior. Look for him to improve a little bit upon these numbers while leading Tennessee back to the NCAA Tournament.
60.Markell Johnson – Senior Guard NC State
NC State will have one of the most talented lead guards in the country this season with Markell Johnson returning for his senior season. Johnson averaged 12.6 points and 4.2 assists per game last year while also shooting 42 percent from three. Johnson mostly plays to what the team needs from him whether it is scoring or passing, which helps make him one of the most valuable players in the ACC.
61.Kellan Grady – Junior Forward Davidson
Kellan Grady was a player on everyone’s breakout list last season and while he nearly averaged the same numbers, his team struggled at times and he fell a bit off the map. With another year under the whole teams belt Davidson should probably return to its NCAA Tournament form, which will help Grady get more National attention being a 17 plus point per game scorer.
62.Elijah Hughes – Junior Guard Syracuse
While there were certainly more talented transfers in College Basketball last season, no one came more out of surprise for how good they were than Elijah Hughes. Hughes struggled to get on the court with East Carolina his freshman year before transferring and starting all 34 games for Syracuse, scoring 13.7 points per game. Those numbers should continue to rise as the Orange lose their two most utilized offensive pieces in both Tyus Battle and Oshae Brissett.
63.Remy Martin – Junior Guard Arizona State
Arizona State has made back-to back NCAA Tournaments and for both of those teams Remy Martin has been a key contributor for the Sun Devils in those years and with a few departures he will now step into the star role for this team. Martin averaged 12.9 points and 5 assists per game last year as a sophomore while playing some of the year injured. I imagine with another season under his belt he should put up better statistics while likely leading the Sun Devils to a hot start and maybe another NCAA Tournament birth.
64.Mamadi Diakite – Senior Forward Virginia
Virginia is coming off a National Championship, so the expectations are sky high for this Virginia program, although I would advise against that as their best player left is Mamadi Diakite. Diakite was a really good role player last year scoring 7.4 points and blocking 1.7 shots per game, which was really important for the Cavaliers. This year he should become the go-to option for Virginia, although it will be hard to see him becoming anything close to an All-American level player like some expect out of him.
65.Bryce Aiken – Senior Guard Harvard
The best player in the Ivy League should be Bryce Aiken this season, as he returns for his senior season ready to lead the Crimson to the NCAA Tournament. Aiken has dealt with injuries over the past few seasons which has limited him a little bit but when he has been in the lineup he has been fantastic, especially last season when he averaged 22.2 points per game. Assuming he can stay healthy this season, he should continue to put up big numbers while leading Harvard to the NCAA Tournament.
66.Omer Yurtseven – Junior Center Georgetown
One of the best sit out transfers in the sport should be former NC State center Omer Yurtseven who was one of the best big men in the ACC two years ago. Yurtseven averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while being a key contributor in getting the Wolfpack to the NCAA Tournament that season. He will probably put up similar, if not better numbers for the Hoyas as they look to get to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the Patrick Ewing era.
67.Javonte Smart – Sophomore Guard LSU
The Tigers lose their star guard Tremont Waters but will return their other two combo guards in Skylar Mays and Javonte Smart. Smart averaged 11.1 points per game last season while having a few big games, including his 29 point game against Tennessee that was instrumental in the Tigers winning the SEC. He will likely improve a little bit upon those numbers this season while leading LSU to another high finish in the SEC standings.
68.Bryan Antoine – Freshman Guard Villanova
Villanova will be looking to get back to their Championship ways and in doing so they will need the freshman duo of Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Bryan Antoine to be pretty good early on in order to do so. Antoine is regarded as a great athlete with decent size, defensive ability and has shown the ability to score from the outside. Look for him to help space the floor for Villanova while he has a good shot to be a one and done prospect.
69.Jon Teske – Senior Center Michigan
The Wolverines will be looking to repeat some success from the past few seasons this year under first-year Head Coach Juwan Howard and in doing so Jon Teske will be asked to take a bigger role this season. Teske averaged 9.5 points and 7 rebounds per game while being one of the top interior defenders in the sport for the Wolverines. He should continue to be a pretty good defender but offensively he will likely take a step up in scoring for this season.
70.Naji Marshall – Junior Forward Xavier
One of the players that broke out last season in the Big East was Naji Marshall who became the leading scorer for the Musketeers last season. Marshall averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season which was instrumental in the Musketeers getting to the NIT. Look for him to put up similar numbers this season but unlike last year it will be in route to an NCAA Tournament bid. .
71.Antoine Davis – Sophomore Guard Detroit-Mercy
One of the top scorers in the country that will be returning this season is Antoine Davis who is a guard who filled it up as a freshman at Detroit-Mercy while playing under his Dad, Mike. Davis scored 26.1 points per game on 38 percent shooting from three and 85 percent shooting from the line. It will be hard for him to top what he did as a freshman but even if not, he will probably be the favorite to win the Horizon League Conference Player of the year.
72.Matt Haarms – Junior Center Purdue
The Boilermakers are a team that will be losing a lot from a team that won the Big Ten regular-season title but they will be returning one of the better big men in the sport. Haarms averaged 9.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game while being a key defensively in the Boilermakers turning up their defense midway through the season. Haarms probably won’t put up the great scoring numbers you might expect but he will do everything else that can lead to wins.
73.Ochai Agbaji – Sophomore Guard Kansas
Kansas is going to likely win the Big 12 this season after not winning it this past season and while a lot of that is based on their two great players Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike returning but also because of the expected improvement of Ochai Agbaji. Agbaji was supposed to redshirt last year but he had that pulled off due to different injuries from last season and in that time he was playing he averaged 8.5 points per game. Agbaji was really good midway through Big 12 play but struggled to finish the season but assuming he can be a little more consistent, he will be one of the better players in the Big 12.
74.Mustapha Heron – Senior Guard St. John’s
The Red Storm will bring in new Head Coach Mike Anderson to lead the program and one of his best players this year will be senior guard Mustapha Heron. Heron transferred in from Auburn last season due to an illness in the family and was one of the best newcomers in the Big East as he averaged 14.6 points per game. He will likely be asked to do a little more offensively with Shamorie Ponds gone, so look for his scoring statistics to go up this season.
75.Luka Garza – Junior Center Iowa
The Hawkeyes will be losing a lot of pieces from last seasons team that made the NCAA Tournament, so look for players like Luka Garza to be asked to do a lot more this season. Garza averaged 13.1 points per game last year, while being a really good free throw shooter at 80 percent from the line. With the majority of their pieces leaving, the Iowa offense will turn to Garza should get more touches inside for the Hawkeyes.
76.Samir Doughty – Junior Guard Auburn
Auburn made their first-ever Final Four last year and while they lose a lot of pieces, they return one of their key contributors in Samir Doughty. Doughty played a nice role as another shooter around Jared Harper and Bryce Brown averaging 42 percent from three while scoring 7.3 points per game. With the Tigers losing their three leading scorers from last years team, look for Doughty to put up good numbers while helping the Tigers return to the NCAA Tournament.
77.Jordan Bowden – Senior Guard Tennessee
The Volunteers lose a lot from this years team that earned a two seed in the NCAA Tournament, however, with Lamonte Turner and Jordan Bowden back they still look to compete near the top of the SEC. Bowden only started 5 games this year but was efficient when playing shooting 38 percent from three and scoring 10.6 points per game. His numbers should see an increase this season with the Volunteers losing their top three scorers, expect him to be recognized as one of the top guards in the sport.
78.Tyrese Haliburton – Sophomore Guard Iowa State
One of my candidates on the sports all-breakout team is Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton who will likely take over as the Cyclones go-to guy this season. Haliburton is a big 6’5” guard who averaged 6.8 points and 4.6 assists per game on 43 percent shooting from deep while playing on a loaded Cyclones team. Haliburton should take a huge step forward this year while likely being the go-to guy, he is poised to be one of the best guards in the Big 12.
79.Neemias Queta – Sophomore Center Utah State
Utah State took a huge step forward last season and while Sam Merrill was the headliner, Neemias Queta was a big reason why the Aggies won the Mountain West Conference. Queta averaged 11.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game which helped him emerge as one of the top bigs in the country. I look for Queta to be a little bit better offensively this season, while continuing to be a great defensive player inside, both of these things should help him be one of the top bigs in the sport.
80.Aaron Henry – Sophomore Forward Michigan State
The Spartans are coming off a season where they went to the Final Four and one of the main reasons for it was the emergence of freshman guard Aaron Henry who took over as a starter midway through the season. Henry averaged 6.1 points per game on 38 percent shooting from deep playing as their fifth man on offense. Look for him to have a different role this season, as he will likely starting at the four instead of the three but I do think that will give him more room to make shots and improve upon his statistics this season.
81.Samuell Williamson – Freshman Guard Louisville
Louisville is expected to be one of the top teams in the sport and one of the main reasons why will be the likely impact of Five-Star freshman Samuell Williamson. Williamson is a long athletic wing that has shown the ability to shoot the ball well. He should fit in nicely alongside fellow wing Jordan Nwora, while likely being one of the reasons the Cardinals compete atop the ACC standings.
82.Quenton Rose – Senior Forward Temple
Temple is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament in the first year of the Aaron McKie era and a big reason for optimism is the return of Quenton Rose. Rose is a big guard that can play multiple positions and averaged 16.3 points per game as a junior last season. Rose isn’t a great shooter which does limit him offensively but what he does all-around does make him one of the best players in the AAC.
83.Kyler Edwards – Sophomore Guard Texas Tech
The Red Raiders are restocking this season with a lot of players moving in and out, so look for some new faces to take more of a load offensively like Kyler Edwards. Edwards was decent playing off the bench scoring 5.5 points per game while shooting 45 percent from deep. He will likely be the starting shooting guard for the Red Raiders and he looks poised to make a big jump to become an All-Big 12 level guard.
84.Xavier Johnson – Sophomore Guard Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is stockpiling talent in order to compete for an NCAA Tournament bid and the leader of this team is guard Xavier Johnson. Johnson averaged 15.5 points and 4.5 assists per game last year as a freshman and was key in helping the Panthers go 10-3 in non-conference play and also beat two future NCAA Tournament teams. Johnson and the Panthers will need to show more consistency next season as they struggled in the middle of ACC play but if they can do so, an Xavier Johnson led Pittsburgh will be on the doorstep of the NCAA Tournament.
85.Xavier Sneed – Senior Guard Kansas State
Kansas State returns only one double-digit per game scorer from a team that won the Big 12 regular season title and that is Xavier Sneed. Sneed averaged 10.6 points per game on 34 percent shooting from deep. Offensively he has all the skills needed to have a big season which should help the Wildcats compete for an at-large bid.
86.John Mooney – Senior Center Notre Dame
Notre Dame had one of their worst seasons in the Mike Brey era but despite that they still had a double-double machine in John Mooney. Mooney averaged 14.1 points and 11.2 rebounds per game as a junior while stretching the floor with 37 percent shooting from deep. I anticipate him probably having a similar season statistically as he did last year but it won’t be as underrated with the fact that Notre Dame will actually be halfway decent this year.
87.Tre Mann – Freshman Guard Florida
Florida will have one of the better backcourts in the country as they will have both Andrew Nembhard and Tre Mann. While Nembhard is more of a passer, Mann is more of a score-first guard that can shoot it well from deep and has the speed to compete on the defensive end. I look for Mann to have a pretty good season while helping Florida potentially win the SEC this season.
88.Nojel Eastern – Junior Guard Purdue
With Carsen Edwards gone, the Boilermakers will be looking for players like Nojel Eastern to step up in his junior season. Eastern is a Ben Simmons like player in that is a big point guard with good passing instincts, rebounding ability and the ability to score inside, although he lacks the ability to shoot. He will look to use his size and athleticism to create shots for himself and his teammates while trying to help the Boilermakers stay near the top of the Big Ten.
89.Jalen Pickett – Sophomore Guard Siena
Siena had one of the best freshmen in the sport last season in Jalen Pickett who helped the Saints be near the top of the MAAC standings as a freshman. Pickett averaged 15.8 points, 6.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game last year as a freshman while shooting 35 percent from deep. Look for him to increase those statistics this season while helping Siena be a contender to make the NCAA Tournament.
90.Matt Coleman – Junior Guard Texas
Texas is expected to compete for an NCAA Tournament bid this year which is in large part due to the return of Matt Coleman. Coleman has averaged 10 points and 3.7 assists per game in his career while starting every game for Texas but he was really the fourth option for Texas over the past two seasons. I think he should see a bigger role this season with the Longhorns losing their top three scorers from last season, which gives him a better opportunity to showcase what he can do.
91.Jose Alvarado – Junior Guard Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech is building a team that is looking to compete for an NCAA Tournament spot as they return mostly everyone from last year’s team. Alvarado averaged 12.5 points and 3.4 assists per game last year as a sophomore. Look for him to probably have similar statistics this season while helping the Yellow Jackets be at least competitive in the ACC.
92.Isaiah Mobley – Freshman Forward USC
USC has a lot of excitement this season as they will have a really good front court which should be led by Five-Star freshman Isaiah Mobley. Mobley is a long and energetic player that has some guard skills which will most likely help him play the four in College. I look for him to lead USC in points per game this season while helping them compete for an at-large bid.
93.AJ Lawson – Sophomore Guard South Carolina
AJ Lawson was one of the better freshmen in the SEC last season which helped South Carolina finish in fourth place in the SEC standings. Lawson averaged 13.4 points per game last year as a freshman which was much needed as the Gamecocks didn’t have a lot of scoring on the offensive side of the ball. The Gamecocks will lose three of their top five scorers so Lawson should take a step forward and be one of the top scorers in the SEC.
94.Kristian Doolittle – Senior Forward Oklahoma
The Sooners will have one of the better frontcourts in the sport this season as they will return two starters from last year’s team, headlined by Kristian Doolittle. Doolittle is a good interior scorer and rebounder which helped him to average 11.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game average while shooting over 50 percent from the floor.
95.Isaiah Miller – Junior Guard UNC Greensboro
UNC Greensboro is very likely going to be the favorites to win the SoCon this year and a big reason for that is the return of the majority of their roster including Isaiah Miller. Miller averaged 15.2 points per game last season which helped the Spartans be the first team out in the NCAA Tournament. Look for him to take his scoring to another level this year with Francis Alonso gone while leading the Spartans back to the NCAA Tournament.
96.Braxton Key – Senior Forward Virginia
With Virginia losing the dominant trio of De’Andre Hunter, Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome it is time to look for new players to step up like Braxton Key. Key is a 6’8” wing with good defensive capabilities and the potential to score the ball. On the offensive side of the ball he should get a lot more touches which will allow him to be one of the better players in the ACC.
97.Austin Wiley – Junior Center Auburn
Auburn will probably be rebranding itself offensively this season due to the loss of most of their shooters, meaning it will be all the more important for Austin Wiley to have a big season. Wiley averaged 6.9 points and 4 rebounds per game last year but only played 13 minutes per game. Look for him to play a lot more minutes this year which could mean he puts up some good numbers offensively.
98.D’Mitrik Trice – Junior Guard Wisconsin
With Ethan Happ gone it is time to look for a couple of players to step up scoring wise like D’Mitrik Trice. Trice averaged 11.6 points per game last season on 39 percent shooting from deep as a sophomore. Look for him to be more involved offensively as he will likely be forced to handle the ball which will allow him the ability to put up some good numbers himself.
99.Garrison Brooks – Junior Forward North Carolina
North Carolina is a team that likes to run a two-big lineup and with Luke Maye gone they will be looking for Garrison Brooks to take a step forward. Brooks averaged 7.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last year while being the fifth option on that team. He should start once again this season and help the Tar Heels stay near the top of the ACC standings.
100.Brad Davison – Junior Guard Wisconsin
Move along Grayson Allen there is a new face of hatred in College Basketball with Brad Davison who is known for playing hard, drawing charges and does all the little things to help give his team wins. Davison averaged 10.5 points per game on 35 percent shooting from three last season while of course stepping in to draw charges while playing through injury. Davison will likely be asked to take a step forward this season with Ethan Happ graduating and he has a good chance to help lead the Badgers back to the NCAA Tournament.
Others that were considered: Jared Butler, Chris Clarke, Lamar Kimbell, MJ Walker, CJ Bryce, Malik Fitts, Malachi Flynn